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Postpartum Depression and related mood disorders can strike anytime in the first year after having a child.  Both conditions are 100% treatable. 

Directions:
If you believe you are suffering from postpartum psychosis or that this is a medical emergency, please contact the crisis hotline immediately.

If you think you may be suffering from postpartum depression, anxiety or OCD, you may complete the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale to help identify your symptoms. Next, undergo an evaluation performed by a mental health professional, preferably a specialist in Perinatal Mood Disorders.  (You might choose to take the EPDS to your appointment with you.) Complete a Physical (including comprehensive blood work) by a general health practitioner.  Follow with a treatment plan formulated by your Team*. 

Be kind and gentle with yourself as you add...

Ingredients: 
As much sleep or rest as you can manage

Individual or group peer support

Equal parts intentional bonding time with baby (e.g. Gymboree) and time to yourself

Healthy and balanced meals and snacks

Moderate exercise

Time outdoors

Support from family and/or friends

For best results, you may also add faith, patience, and love

Optional:
Under your physician’s supervision, the following may be considered…
Massage
Acupuncture
Chiropractic
Hypnotherapy, Aromatherapy and/or Cranio-Sacral Therapies
Anti-depressants and/or other Psychiatric prescription medications
Supplements such as B Complex, Omega-3s and Calcium/Magnesium
Postpartum Crisis Plan

Special Notes:
 Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they may intensify your depression and anxiety symptoms.

Allow for rising (and falling) over a period of several weeks or months.

Continue Therapy long past when you are "well."

Continue with process for 6-18 past the time that you began treatment.

*Your Team is comprised of you, your spouse/partner, your closest friend/s or family member/s, your mental health professional, your PCP or other general health practioner, and anyone providing you peer support.

Yield:
Well Mama, baby and family

For more content on postpartum depression click here.

Amber Koter-Puline is a survivor of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety (2007) and the author of Beyond Postpartum.  She is also an Atlanta Postpartum Support Group Facilitator. 

@ShareWIK Media Group, LLC 2010